Side-by-side comparison of mechanisms, dosing, interactions, and stacking potential.
| Humanin | Sermorelin | |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Peptides | Peptides |
| Standard Dose | Research indicates dosing remains experimental. Animal studies use 1-10 mcg/day equivalents. Human protocols are not established. | Research indicates 200-300 mcg administered once daily at bedtime via subcutaneous injection. |
| Timing | No established timing protocol. Morning dosing suggested for neuroprotective applications. | Bedtime administration (aligns with natural nocturnal GH release). On empty stomach. |
| Cycle Duration | Experimental — no established cycle lengths. | 12-24 week cycles. Some protocols use continuous treatment. |
| Evidence Level | animal_plus_anecdotal | strong_human |
Humanin is a 24-amino acid mitochondrial-derived peptide encoded by the 16S rRNA gene of mitochondrial DNA. It binds IGFBP-3 with high affinity (via Phe-6), interfering with IGFBP-3 binding to importin-beta and suppressing IGFBP-3-mediated apoptosis. It also inhibits the pro-apoptotic protein Bax (Bcl-2 family), preventing mitochondrial outer membrane permeabilization and intrinsic apoptosis. Humanin and IGFBP-3 synergistically protect neurons from amyloid-beta-induced apoptosis, and it activates the STAT3 and ERK1/2 pathways for cytoprotection.
Research indicates dosing remains experimental. Animal studies use 1-10 mcg/day equivalents. Human protocols are not established.
No established timing protocol. Morning dosing suggested for neuroprotective applications.
Experimental — no established cycle lengths.
Sermorelin is a synthetic 29-amino acid peptide representing the biologically active fragment of GHRH (amino acids 1-29) with full functional activity. It activates GHRH receptors on pituitary somatotrophs, stimulating cAMP production via Gs protein/adenylate cyclase and MAP kinase pathways. Due to the interactive effects of sermorelin and endogenous somatostatin, GH release is episodic rather than continuous. Sermorelin also stimulates pituitary gene transcription of GH mRNA, increasing and preserving pituitary GH reserve.
Research indicates 200-300 mcg administered once daily at bedtime via subcutaneous injection.
Bedtime administration (aligns with natural nocturnal GH release). On empty stomach.
12-24 week cycles. Some protocols use continuous treatment.
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